While working on a series of grant applications today, I happened to look out the window which is about eye level, and I found myself staring face to face with a dark grey cat with yellow eyes.  He and I stared at each other for quite a while.  Then he slowly lowered his head below the bottom of the window so that he was out of sight.  About ten seconds later, he rises up from where he was and continues to stare at me.  Then he, again, lowered his head below the bottom of the window.  Ten seconds later, yep, he’s up.  I started to get up to go to the window, and he took off.

He was so strange in his manner.  His inner monologue could have been something like this… “Watching human at 1600 hours.  Oh crap, I’ve been seen!  Remain calm… retreat… re-establish position.  Damn, she’s still there…..remain calm….retreat…. re-establish position.  Damn! Cover has been blown.  Abort mission, I repeat, abort mission!!!!!”

From the above example, clearly I have been buried in too much grant and nonprofit research.  As of this afternoon, I might just be an expert on the need and importance of antique clothing preservation.  I can give you several reasons why preserving and ultimately exhibiting antique clothing and textiles can and will benefit your community.  And, I can probably rattle off for you a budget as to how much it will cost you to properly store Aunt Ethel’s trousseau.  Please, feel free to ask me my thoughts on acid-free paper, polypropylene tubing, and bags and whether it is better to store flat or store hanging.  I would be happy to oblige.

I think I need to get out more.

As ever,

K. Quinn